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of the total ocean area being removed from general use by all coun- 
tries. However, the Soviet Union does support the concept of the 
so-called ‘‘200-mile economic zone’’ under which the coastal states 
have sovereign rights to all living and mineral resources within their 
respective zones. By supporting this concept, the Soviets hope to 
show their concern for the developing nations of the world. On the 
other hand, they are also concerned about the future of their high 
seas fishing fleet, which takes the largest percentage of its catch 
off foreign shores. To reconcile these two concerns, the Soviet Union 
supports the idea that if a coastal state fishes only part of the resources 
within its 200-mile economic zone (EZ), then fishermen from other 
countries should be allowed to fish the unutilized portion. 
‘‘Developing”’ coastal states, Pravda declares, should receive compen- 
sation for allowing foreign vessels to fish in their economic zones. 
Concerning the 50 countries of the world which have limited access 
to the ocean (no coastline or very short coastline), Mr. Pavlov states 
that the Soviet Union advocates that these countries be granted certain 
rights regarding the use of the resources within the 200-mile economic 
zones. 
Another extremely important LOS issue concerns the right of unhin- 
dered navigation by vessels of all flags through international straits. 
According to Pavlov, the Soviet Union views the right of free passage 
through these straits as vital in giving ‘“‘aid to young independent 
states which . . . become the targets of aggressive intrigues by the 
imperialistic forces.’’ Special care should be taken to preserve the 
internal security of countries bordering on the straits. 
Other important issues discussed in the Pravda article include pollu- 
tion, marine research, and the use of the seabed beyond the Continen- 
tal Shelf. The Soviet Union has expressed concern that if individual 
countries are allowed to establish pollution standards and regulations 
stricter than international controls, the developing nations may find 
it hard to pay the high costs of meeting such standards. This, accord- 
ing to the Soviet Union, would make it more difficult for these coun- 
tries to create their own merchant fleets and fishing industries. 
(Source: S. Pavlov, ‘‘Detente and the World’s Oceans”’; Moscow: Prav- 
da, February 12, 1976.) 
